Harris Williams Advises Lancaster Foods on its Sale to The Coastal Companies

Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in merger & acquisition advisory services, announces that it has advised Lancaster Foods, a subsidiary of Guest Services, on its sale to The Coastal Companies, a portfolio company of Continental Grain’s Arlon Group (Continental Grain).

Lancaster Foods is a leading diversified produce wholesaler. The transaction was led by Tim Alexander, Brant Cash, Brant Wilczek and Robert Wilson of the Harris Williams Consumer Group.

“Lancaster Foods is a leader in providing high-quality produce with premier customer service and has tremendous opportunity for continued growth with The Coastal Companies and Continental Grain. The combination represents an exciting phase for both businesses and will create a regional leader in both foodservice and wholesale distribution,” said Tim Alexander, a managing director at Harris Williams.

“We are thrilled to have worked with Guest Services and Lancaster Foods on this transaction, which adds to our firm’s track record of advising leading food distributors. We are excited to see Lancaster Foods and The Coastal Companies come together and create a partnership that will draw upon the strengths of each company and position them for long-term success,” said Brant Cash, also a managing director at Harris Williams.

Founded in 1986, Lancaster Foods operates a 220,000 sqf, state-of-the-art distribution and processing center in Jessup, Maryland. With nearly 600 employees, the company remains a leading diversified produce wholesaler, whose value-added services set it apart. From consumer-ready packages to specialty packaging to fresh-cut offerings, Lancaster Foods delivers innovative, customized solutions that meet the specific needs of its customers and consumers.

Since 1917, Guest Services has provided premier hospitality management in the United States. The company is proud to provide a wide range of customized hospitality management solutions for clients involved in dining services; resorts and hotels; state and national parks; senior living communities; unique retail outlets; special events; and condominium management. Guest Services stands at the forefront of the hospitality management industry, providing the highest quality lodging and leisure services for its clients and guests. Guest Services is proud to serve more than 40 million guests annually at over 350 properties nationwide.

Founded in 1992, The Coastal Companies is a preeminent source for produce distribution, processing and prepared foods on the East Coast.

Continental Grain is a privately-owned global investor, owner and operator of companies with more than 200 years of history across the food and agribusiness spectrum.